General Information

Illinois Connection

My family has always lived in Chicago since they emigrated from Europe. I was born in the Chicago suburbs and spent many years growing up in Missouri. I graduated with a BA in History from the Missouri University of Science and Technology and then returned to the Chicago area. My military books have focused on my Chicago relatives who served in World War I and World War II.

Biographical and Professional Information

Jennifer Holik has more than 20 years of research and writing experience and a Bachelors Degree in History. She provides genealogical, historical, and military research services. Her specialties are Chicago research, Italians in Chicago, Women, and World War II. Through in-depth research and analysis she can help you piece together the stories of your family. She is also on staff at the World War II History Network.

Published Works

Stories from the Battlefield: A Beginning Guide to World War II Research, Generations, 2014

Stories of the Lost , Generations, 2014

The Tiger's Widow, Generations, 2014

Engaging the Next Generation: A Guide for Genealogy Societies and Libraries , Generations, 2012

Branching Out: Genealogy for 1st-3rd Grade, Generations, 2012

Branching Out: Genealogy for 4th-8th Grade, Generations, 2012

Branching Out: Genealogy for High School Students, Generations, 2012

Branching Out: Genealogy for Adults, Generations, 2012

To Soar with the Tigers, Generations, 2011

Titles at Your Library

Engaging the Next Generation: A Guide for Genealogy Societies and Libraries

Branching Out: Genealogy for High School Students: Lessons 1-30

Branching Out: Genealogy Lessons for Adults

Literary Awards

Speaking Engagements and Upcoming Appearances

Speaking Engagement Availability: (Yes)

Please visit Holik's website for current speaking engagements and lecture topics. Her lectures focus on kids genealogy and World War II research and writing. She speaks around the Chicagoland area but will travel if expenses are paid in addition to her speaking fee. Please email for fees and possible dates.

Stories of the Lost Program
Hear the story of a Battle of the Bulge soldier’s service history until his death in 1945. Learn about the Graves Registration Service which took care of him and our American dead and their extensive resource of paperwork. Learn why records and personal effects may not exist and why some of our soldiers are still missing or buried overseas. Includes handouts and Q&A. (Adults; 60 min; $250 with permission to sell books)

The Day that Lived in Infamy: Navigating Basic World War II Records Program
Learn how to research the records of World War II for any military branch. Holik details resources you can search prior to obtaining military records; how to provide information on obtaining Official Military Personnel Files; teaches you what military records can be used to reconstruct service history; shares tips on weaving military, genealogical, and historical records together; and provides resources for prisoners, missing, and the dead. Includes handouts, Q&A. (Adults; 60 min; $250 with permission to sell books)

Finishing the Story Program
Explore the lives, service, and deaths of WWI and WWII service members. Discover resources to reconstruct WWII service history; hear moving stories about each man’s life and death; and learn how to weave military, genealogical, and historical records together to write a soldier’s story. A brief reading from two of Holik’s books, Stories of the Lost and The Tiger’s Widow, is included. Handouts and Q&A. (Adults; 60 min; $250 with permission to sell books)